Ben Rachunok

Ben Rachunok is an Assistant Professor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State University. His work centers on risk and decision analysis applied to sustainability and climate change adaptation, with a strong focus on environmental justice and community resilience.

Education:

• Post-Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering – Stanford University (2022)
• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering – Purdue University (2020)
• B.S. in Industrial Engineering – NC State University (2016)

Rachunok’s research integrates environmental justice and engineering principles to develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies that serve all populations, especially low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. He employs simulation and data science methods to understand how communities respond to natural hazards and climate change, emphasizing equitable outcomes.

Recent publications span environmental research letters, sustainable mobility, socio-hydrology, climate communication, and energy forecasting, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that blends engineering, data science, and social equity perspectives.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, Cohort of the Rising Environmental Leaders Program at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment (2021)
• Outstanding Research Award, Honorable Mention – Purdue University (2019)
• Rising Environmental Leadership Program Fellow – Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment (2019)
• Lee Chaden Scholarship – Purdue University (2018)
• Estus H. and Vashti L. Magoon Award – Purdue University (2018)

While the text does not list specific students, Rachunok’s background includes a postdoctoral role at Stanford and an R&D internship at Sandia National Labs, indicating active collaboration and mentorship within research communities. His work has been featured in outlets like Tech Crunch, Gizmodo, and the UN Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, underscoring broad impact and engagement.